BY DONGYUN KWON
FIFA World Cup 2022 is going to kick off in Qatar from November 20 and will be played until December 18, 2022 in a first for the international competition.
The world cup was traditionally hosted between June and July.
However, FIFA considered the weather and climate in Qatar this time to be driving factors in the schedule change. The temperature in Qatar is 35°C~36°C in June and July while it is 21°C ~24°C in November and December, which is more suitable for players.
Qatar is going to provide "focused cooling" air-conditioning systems as well.
The World Cup period will change a lot of variables.
It will affect players’ performance. The World Cup was originally scheduled for when they had recovered from the European competition. However, this time it will be played in the middle of the European club season.
Features writer with codesports.com.au and NewsCorp Australia Adam Peacock said all eyes will be on the rescheduled event.
“This will be the most unique World Cup held in recent times given the timing in the middle of the European club season, where the vast majority of players are stationed,” he said.
Mr Peacock said he was concerned for the players’ conditions. Many players are overworked because of the changing of the calendar due to the World Cup. For example, some superstars might not be able to perform at the event. Paulo Dybala, Reece James, Paul Pogba, N’golo Kante and Marco Reus are some of them.
“Those leagues are having to condense their calendars, meaning there's a huge volume of games played before the November 13 cut off," he said.
“This means players will be playing a World Cup game not as fresh as normal, and perhaps carrying niggles.
Additionally, since the stadiums are air-conditioned, the heat will not be the main factor of performance, however the condition of pitches will affect the performance.
“The stadiums are air conditioned, but word from the Australians who have played a number of games there, the pitches are super quick, which will help the more technically gifted nations who like to move the ball fast,” Mr Peacock said.
Many soccer fans are looking forward to watching the World Cup because many star players are going to play in the event. Especially, this might be the last World Cup for two legends; Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, which draws more fans’ attention to it.
However, some fans are concerned about their club teams.
Arsenal fan Kerem Doruk worries about his team, which is currently on top of the league .
“As a Gooner, I am concerned about the team's fitness because a lot of our starting 11 are playing in the world cup.
“They might get injured in the world cup, or use all their energy for their country,” he said.
On the other hand, many big stars such as Ronaldo, Messi, Mbappe, Neymar will play for their national teams in the World Cup which makes fans look forward to watching it more.
Mr Peacock said he will pay attention at Kevin De Bruyne the most.
“Hard not to be impressed with his vision, and the fact he is in amazing form with Manchester City, only bodes well for his chances of becoming one of the most important players at the tournament,” he said.
According to the majority of betting sites, many people expect Brazil to win the World Cup this time.
Meanwhile, Adam expects Argentina will be victorious. Although he admits there are some more strong teams threatening with the recent high performance of Messi.
“Brazil (is) an obvious threat, as well as about 4-5 European nations, but with Messi still near his best, and surrounded by a better balance of squad - not always the case with Argentina - I think the football-mad nation, who will again have fervent support will go very close,” he said.
On the contrary, Mr Doruk voted with his heart as an Arsenal fan.
“Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are very good in the league.
“I hope they are doing good performance in the World Cup as well so that they can do more for Arsenal when they return to the club,” he said.
Finally, according to Mr Peacock, the Socceroos must win against Tunisia. It will be difficult to get a point against Denmark or France, however it is still possible.The organisation of back four will be key to do so.
“The back four doesn't look settled, with three of the four positions - two centre backs and right back - wide open, thanks to a variety of reasons, such as form and injury.
“Cohesion in that area of the park will be vital against the attacking threat France will post, and the Danes, to a lesser extent. Though the Danish are in the better form of those two opponents."